Peter N. Lavalette

Pete engages in a broad civil litigation practice, ranging from trade secret/unfair competition issues to defense of hospitals and health care professionals in professional liability claims. Pete also represents manufacturers in medical and automotive product liability claims and has handled employee benefit and ERISA litigation. He represents insurers in first-party claims and complex coverage matters, and has experience in class action litigation matters. He practices in both state and federal courts in the region, often serving as local counsel. He serves as the Firm's managing partner.

Following college, Pete served five years active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard, deployed aboard the cutter Morgenthau in the Pacific, and later in a procurement position in Washington, DC. He served as editor in chief of The University of Toledo Law Review while in law school, and is proud to have practiced with RCO Law since 1994.

Relevant Experience

Medical Negligence

• Obtained dismissal mid- trial for hospital in medical negligence suit involving permanent cognitive injury;
  
• Defense verdict in favor of physician in medical negligence and battery claim following jury trial.

Product Liability

• Successfully postured cognitive injury claim to minor for favorable settlement through aggressive third-party practice and exhaustive technical analysis;
  
• As coordinating counsel for Fortune 500 manufacturer facing products claim, secured early resolution through dispositive motion practice;

Commercial Litigation

• Secured injunctive relief in trade secret/breach of exclusive license claim for high tech client;
• As appellate counsel following adverse ruling in seven-figure commercial contract breach suit, secured reversal of attorney fee award;

Employee Benefit Litigation

• Obtained summary judgment under ERISA Section 404(c) safe harbor for retirement plan trustee in breach of fiduciary duty claim where plan participants lost retirement savings to a Ponzi-scheming financial advisor; affirmed on appeal.